Generally, the embryo's used were going to go to waste anyway(I think), so it's that or nothing. Plus, all federally funded embryonic stem cell research uses stemm cells from stem cell lines with the original group of embryonic stem cells from pre 2001. Bassically, before 2001, if a lab took some stem cells from an embryo, they could divide the stem cells as they pleased, and now the funded research strictly uses these replicated cells, therefore not "killing" any more embryos.

Second of all, an embryo is just a ball of cells, no brain, no heart, no organs whatsoever!

Staff: Mentor

Stem cell research can do so much, we need it. It's not killing a person. Do you have any idea how many fertilized embryos are destroyed by fertility clinics if the "owners" decide they no longer need them?

I don't have a question, I was just intending this thread to be a discussion on morals, cultures, relation to religion, what PF users think, etc.

I meant the question for the poll. The answers will likely change depending on whether you are asking about embyronic stem cell research or non-embryonic stem cell research, the latter of which I cannot imagine any reason for a person to be against. Then again, for that reason, I also think it is clear that you are asking about embryonic stem-cell research. I'm just trying to make sure.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Federal regulators on Thursday approved what would be the first transplant of fetal stem cells into human brains, a procedure that if successful could open the door to treating a host of neural disorders.
The transplant recipients will be children who suffer from a rare, fatal genetic disorder.
The Food and Drug Administration said that doctors at Stanford University Medical Center can begin the testing on six children afflicted with Batten disease, a degenerative malady that renders its young victims blind, speechless and paralyzed before it kills them.
An internal Stanford review board must still approve the test, a process that could take weeks.

The stem cells to be transplanted in the brain aren't human embryonic stem cells, which are derived from days-old embryos. Instead, the cells are immature neural cells that are destined to turn into the mature cells that makeup a fully formed brain.

As long as the extraction isn't killing or has a chance of harming the embryo, I'm okay with it. Killing a baby to save an old man is wrong, plain and simple.

And what if the embryo will be dying anyway? I don't think embryonic stem cell research includes the developement of embryos specifically for research purposes. They just use ones that will be "thrown out" or what ever they do with them if they aren't utilized in some fashion. Correct me if I'm wrong.

And what if the embryo will be dying anyway? I don't think embryonic stem cell research includes the developement of embryos specifically for research purposes. They just use ones that will be "thrown out" or what ever they do with them if they aren't utilized in some fashion. Correct me if I'm wrong.

You're correct. Even when embryos are the source of the cells, they are ones discarded anyway. Though, I suppose all those extras generated by the fertility clinics can just continue to be stored frozen for all eternity...or at least until someone forgets to pay the electric bill. :uhh: